SGU Statement on Animal Care for Research and Programs 
Just as there are rules and regulations to ensure the privacy of human subjects and the confidentiality of data in research, the use of animals in research and research training is also subject to regulations and professional codes. The heart of the regulations and professional codes is summed up in the federal Animal Welfare Act which seeks “to ensure that animals intended for use in research facilities … are provided humane care and treatment.”  
The U.S. Public Health Service’s Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals requires adherence with both the Animal Welfare Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The Guide [https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/guide-for-the-care-and-use-of-laboratory-animals.pdf.] is a document prepared and regularly updated by committees under the National Research Council. Guidance for researchers who use animals recommends that researchers carefully consider the “three R’s” of animal testing alternatives:  

1. reduction in the numbers of animals used,  
2. refinement of techniques and procedures to reduce pain and distress, and  
3. replacement of conscious living higher animals with insentient material.  

While the ultimate responsibility of conducting research in an ethical manner that complies with federal, state and local regulations rests with the researcher, the SGU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) reviewers will seek to determine that: 

1. The transportation, care, and use of animals is in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act and other applicable federal laws, guidelines, and policies. 
2. Procedures involving animals are designed and performed with due consideration of their relevance to animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society. 
3. The animals selected for a procedure are of an appropriate species and quality and the minimum number required to obtain valid results. Methods such as mathematical models, computer simulations, and in vitro biological systems should be considered. 
4. Proper use of animals, including the avoidance and minimization of discomfort, distress, and pain when consistent with sound scientific practices is imperative. Unless the contrary is established, investigators should consider that procedures which cause pain or distress in humans may cause pain or distress in other animals. 
5. Procedures with animals that may cause more than momentary or slight pain or distress should be performed with appropriate sedation, analgesia, or anesthesia. Surgical or other painful procedures should not be performed on unanesthetized animals paralyzed by chemical agents. 
6. Animals that would otherwise suffer severe or chronic pain or distress that cannot be relieved should be painlessly killed at the end of the procedure or, if appropriate, during the procedure. 
7. The living conditions of animals are appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. 

1. The investigators and other personnel are appropriately qualified and experienced for conducting procedures on living animals. 

IACUC Review Process 

1. The review process begins with the submission of a proposal for an activity involving animals. This may encompass research grants, educational projects or demonstrations, or other types of testing. 
2. Projects involving other institutions (educational institutions, commercial firms, etc.) or individuals at those institutions require an approval process at each institution and involved individuals at each site bear joint responsibility for the appropriate conduct at the other site(s). 
3. Investigators should review University of Minnesota guidelines on performing procedures on laboratory animals and incorporate this information into their protocol. 
4. An animal protocol must be submitted to the SGU Institutional and Animal Care committee. If the project involves a grant submission, a copy of the grant application should be included. 
5. The application to IACUC will be reviewed for compliance with issues and practices defined by legislation and current accepted laboratory veterinary practice. These include (but are not necessarily limited to): 
   1. The justification for the species chosen and the number of animals being used. 
   2. The rationale for the use of animals for the proposed procedures versus the availability of less invasive procedures, tissue culture, computer simulation, etc. 
   3. Criteria and process for timely intervention, removal of animals from a study, or euthanasia if painful or stressful outcomes are anticipated. 
   4. The proper use of euthanasia. 
   5. Training and experience in appropriate techniques of the researchers and co-workers performing the project. 
   6. That the activities do not unnecessarily duplicate previous work. 
   7. The safety of the working environment for personnel. 

The SGU IACUC may approve the application as submitted, required modifications to receive approval, or reject the application. Application must be granted prior to the procurement of animals and their use in the project.  Approved projects must undergo full review at least every three years.
 
To request an application for research and/or programs and procedures with animals, send an email to: [email protected]

Only projects that involve hands-on work with vertebrate specimens that are alive during or immediately prior to the project require review.